Royal Caribbean Sued Over Fatal Cruise Incident

Connie Aguilar has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean following the death of her fiancé, Michael Virgil, aboard the Navigator of the Seas in December 2024. The lawsuit alleges that crew members served Virgil at least 33 alcoholic drinks, and when he became disoriented and agitated while trying to find his room, they tackled him to the ground and restrained him.

The suit claims that crew members stood on him with their full weight, leading to mechanical asphyxia and ultimately his death, which the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled a homicide due to the combined effects of asphyxia, obesity, an enlarged heart, and alcohol intoxication.

Aguilar's lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial, asserting that Royal Caribbean was negligent for serving alcohol to Virgil despite clear signs of intoxication, and that the crew lacked the training necessary to handle such situations.

The report indicates that video evidence shows Virgil in distress, and a fellow passenger, Christopher McHale, stated that Virgil needed help rather than the treatment he received. The lawsuit highlights concerns about the cruise line's responsibility to monitor and assist passengers to prevent dangerous behavior and questions the adequacy of medical personnel and crew training on board.

This case is being heard in federal court in Miami, where Royal Caribbean is headquartered.